Go Green, Eat Green: Vegetarianism emerges as a growing trend

“Going green” has been a constant trend throughout history—from the creation of Earth Day in the 1970’s to the release of Al Gore’s 2006 blockbuster, An Inconvenient Truth. Even today environmental awareness is constantly stressed with emphasis on the importance of recycling, preserving endangered species and saving the diminishing forests. Ever since the 1990’s individuals have embarked on personal journeys to make a difference in the environment, regardless of how minuscule those differences may be.

Along with these environmentally friendly actions, vegetarianism emerged as one of the most popular “personal” efforts to become more “green.” Becoming vegetarian can help the earth by reducing the demand for diminishing resources, preventing pollution, and helping preserve endangered species. “The way that we breed animals for food is a threat to the planet. It pollutes our environment while consuming huge amounts of water, grain, petroleum, pesticides and drugs,” says Dr. David Brubaker, PhD, at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for a Livable Future.

Vegetarianism has grown to be an increasingly popular environmentally friendly lifestyle, evident today through the abundance of vegetarian and vegan dining spots. San Diego offers a wide variety of cuisines ranging from veggie hamburger joints to Asian and fusion restaurants. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike have responded positively to this healthy, earth-friendly meal alternative.

Listed below are a few selections of intriguing places to dine for vegetarians and for adventurous non-vegetarians!

• VEG.N.OUT: A fast food themed restaurant, located in San Diego on 30th Street, featuring veggie hamburgers and hotdogs. Orders can be made vegan upon request, and are perfect for low-budget diners! “All of the burgers and sandwiches are fantastic and each one has wonderful and distinct flavors. Even my family, who are devout carnivores, love the food here,” says Dan, a regular VEG.N.OUT diner. VEG.N.OUT is definitely a great place to get great food at a great price.
• SipZ Fuzion Cafe: Offers a variety of cuisines ranging from European to Asian to American using imitation meat. SipZ, located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, serves extremely liberal portions at extremely modest prices, and serves both vegetarian and vegan dishes. What’s even more amazing is that they devote an entire portion of their menu to a vegetarian sushi menu!
• Naked Cafe: Although Naked Cafe, located on South Sierra Avenue in
  Solana Beach, serves a few dishes that contain meat, the majority of the menu consists of vegetarian-friendly meals. All of the dishes are made with all-natural ingredients, emphasizing the significance of environmental awareness and incorporates these ingredients into dishes that are inspired from places all around the globe such as Mexico and Italy.

These vegetarian joints are enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike—a pleasure for both worlds. The “go green” movement is still predominant today, and what more exciting way to contribute than by trying a “green” meal?

Photos from Jdodge3 via Wikimedia Commons and norwichnuts via Flickr.